The Aesthetics of Violence, and the Violence of Aesthetics

Nikita Dhawan

The Aesthetics of Violence, and the Violence of Aesthetics

Nikita Dhawan

Lecture

Considering the historical role of art in colonial and fascist regimes, can one entrust art with the task of emancipatory politics? Can art make us political and ethical by provoking us out of our indifference and irresponsibility? Might critical artistic practices facilitate transnational justice and democracy, protecting and promoting human rights? Or should art be autonomous and non-purposive and not be placed in the service of political and ethical imperatives?

Given that art functions within structures of capitalism and neo-colonialism, the political, social and economic role of art, artistic practices, and art institutions in current conditions of global inequality remains ambivalent and controversial. Nikita Dhawan’s talk will address the role of an aesthetic education (Spivak) in the pursuit of postimperial global ethics and politics. Can the political labour of training the imagination mitigate imperialist, racist, orientalist and heteronormative structures and practices?

 

Language: English

Infos

The day ticket is valid for all events within "Bodies, un-protected" on the day of validity.

Admission is only possible with proof of negative Corona status (tested, vaccinated or recovered). In case of test detection, the negative result of a PCR test must be submitted and the test must not have been performed more than 48 hours ago. General rules of hygiene and physical distancing must be observed.  Wearing a medical mouth-nose covering is mandatory everywhere, also when seated. More information on Hygiene and Safety.

Sponsors and Supporters

Curation: Sandra Noeth

A programme by Künstlerhaus Mousonturm Frankfurt am Main. Funded by the German Federal Cultural Foundation, Goethe-Institut, Freunde & Förderer des Mousonturms e.V. and Rudolf Augstein Foundation. Supported by Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin (HZT). In cooperation with the HTA Lecture Series “(Un)settled. Performance, Protection, and Politics of Insecurity” an event of the Institut für Angewandte Theaterwissenschaft of Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen in cooperation with the Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin (HZT) and Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, fundeded by the Hessische Theaterakademie.